For Such A Time As This...
For Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur (that is, cast lots), to crush and to destroy them. But when it came before the king, he gave orders in writing that his evil plan that he had devised against the Jews should return on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows
(Esther 9:24-24).
God's name is not mentioned one time in the book of Esther. Yet, I can't miss feeling His hand everywhere in this book. I love to read Esther because it reminds me that even when I don't see Him, He is there. He is faithful. He is just. Even when it seems my enemies are overtaking me, He knows it all. For my enemies, "...evil plotting returns on their own head".
Vengeance is mine, and recompense,
for the time when their foot shall slip;
for the day of their calamity is at hand,
and their doom comes swiftly.’
For the Lord will vindicate his people
and have compassion on his servants,
when he sees that their power is gone
and there is none remaining, bond or free.
Deuteronomy 32:35-36
Yes. I know what it's like to lay awake at night wondering how things will ever come right on the other side? I know what it's like to wonder how God will ever make things right. I know what it's like to have unforgiveness and bitterness reign in my heart. It's not pretty. But it's true.
It's taken me 46 years to realize that God is the only One who sees all and knows all. His view is unfiltered while mine is clouded and prejudiced by my past experience and baggage. I always think I know how best to "pay back" injustices in my own eyes. But God is the only One who knows true justice. He asks me to forgive so that I can be free - not so that they can be free. I don't know why good things happen to bad people and bad things happen to good people. But God does. I don't know why this mountain of hurt had to happen. But God does. He has restored the years the locusts have eaten in my life and He can do the same with yours. He allowed this trial to come into my life and I'm stronger because of it. Is it easy? No. Is it worth it? Absolutely yes.
The question isn't whether or not they will pay for the wrongdoing and injustice they've done. The REAL question is whether or not I have faith that God is good and faithful and just. Do I believe that 'God will vindicate me when He sees that my power is gone...' Do I believe? Do you believe? Once that question is answered - peace that surpasses understanding overwhelms my heart and it will do the same for you.
Remember, forgiveness doesn't forfeit justice - it releases it to God. Maybe God has called us "for such a time as this" to trust Him with justice? May grace and mercy and joy pour over us all the days of our lives as we remember these truths. In Jesus mighty name, amen.
